21/12/2016 Twitching Pipit's - a Winter Solstice Treat

Wednesday 21/12/2016  
Twitching with Gareth and Paul

Another early start, this time at 05.00. I picked Gareth and Paul up at 05.45.  We then headed off to Blagdon Lakes in Somerset arriving just after 09.30.  On the way home we dropped in at Blashford Lakes in Hampshire arriving at 12.30.

Blagdon Lakes

A Blyth's Pipit has been present at Blagdon Lakes for over a week but only reported a few days ago. We were hoping to get a good sighting before the forecasted poor weather arrived in the afternoon.  

• We joined a small group of birders who were already viewing the bird by the lake edge.  For the next 90 minutes or so we enjoyed good views, from about 30 metres, as the pipit moved restlessly about it's business, flying occasionally.  Fortunately, there were several Meadow Pipit's in close proximity so it was easy to make the comparison.

Blyth's Pipit to the left of a Meadow Pipit
Courtesy of Brian Thompson Bristol Birding

• We also saw other interesting birds including 5 Great White Egrets, a Little Stint and 3 Bewick Swans.

• The Blyth's pipit (Anthus godlewskii) is a medium-sized passerine bird which breeds in Mongolia and neighbouring areas. 
• It is a long distance  migrant moving to open lowlands in southern Asia. 
• It is a very rare vagrant to western Europe.
• This is a large pipit, but is an undistinguished looking species on the ground, mainly brown above and pale below.
• It is very similar to Richard's pipit, but is slightly smaller, shorter legs and a shorter dark bill. 
• Its flight is strong and direct, and it gives a characteristic "pshee" call, higher pitched than Richard's

Blashford Lakes

Having succeeded with our main target we had time to call in at Blashford Lakes to twitch the Water Pipit.  This was a "lifer" for Gareth.  

• Thankfully it didn't take long to spot it from the Lapwing Hide.  It was heading left along the edge of the lake and we were able to get good scope views from about 30 metres.
• There were other birds of interest on view including 16 Goosander.

Another memorable trip on a day when it would have been easy to succumb to the poor weather forecast and stay in the comfort of your own home. 

Addition to BUBO 2016 UK Bird List:

Blyth's Pipit   (262)

Addition to BUBO UK Life List:

Blyth's Pipit   (325)